The Event: More than 1,100 sweet-and savory-tooths got to indulge their chocolate fantasies at Chicago’s Union Station on Dec. 4, sampling the edible creations prepared by 22 top Chicago chocolatiers, chefs and caterers for the 13th annual World of Chocolate gala benefitting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, AFC is an aggregate that collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
Cause célebre: “World of Chocolate is one of the most festive events of the season and it’s also (a time to) recognize that there is still much to do to address the epidemic,” said Jill Allread of Oak Park, event co-chairman and a 20-year supporter.
Once considered a ‘gay’ disease, Allread explains that the AIDS epidemic has moved past that stage; past the stage of being considered a disease of people of color; and even past the notion that it is a disease affecting only certain socioeconomic classes. “This disease crosses all those borders,” said Allread.
There are approximately 1,000 new HIV cases in Illinois each year and some 1.2 million people are living with HIV across the country. AFC provides 8,000 HIV tests annually; offers housing to 750 people living with HIV; and annually provides case management to 5,000 individuals affected with HIV.
“One of the biggest myths that we need to dispel about AIDS today is that HIV is over as an epidemic,” said John Peller of Chicago, AFC president/CEO. “People with HIV today are often the most marginalized and that’s the population that we are going to impact most tonight.”
Bottom line: The event raised approximately $134,000 in support of AFC’s advocacy and policy work to affect their vision of seeing an AIDS-free generation.
For more information, visit aidschicago.org.
